Tilda Swinton In Talks to Play Asian Character in ‘Doctor Strange’ Movie

In a Hollywood Reporter exclusive, Tilda Swinton is reportedly in negotiations to play the Ancient One in Marvel Cinema’s upcoming feature film, Doctor Strange. The Ancient One is a 500-year-old fictional Tibetan sorcerer from Marvel comics, a role that at first blush seems suitable for Ms. Swinton’s unorthodox career.

Swinton’s diverse acting resume showcases unique roles such as Moonrise Kingdom, Snowpiercer, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe franchise to name a few. In 2008, Swinton won an Academy Award for her role in Michael Crowder.

Many fans are ecstatic about Marvel’s decision to cast a woman for this role, which was originally envisaged as a man, while others are arguing that the choice of a white actor for a traditionally Asian character is a blow to diversity and equality in Hollywood. The internet has been abuzz both with praise over Swinton’s casting and anger over Hollywood’s continued underrepresentation of minorities, including Asian actors.

Many argue that Marvel Studios should be praised for going the gender-bending route for more female representation. Others argue that diversity is undermined when white actors are cast in roles originally written as an ethnic character.